V-Flyer

I have been lurking over the past couple of months as we had been planning the big holiday to Florida. We had thought that taking the children to France last year was an adventure (FlyBe from Southampton to Avignon) and this was the first time I had been long haul for 11 years (Virgin to JFK) and the first time ever for the children.

I have enjoyed lurking and found many tips useful so this is my way of putting a little back

The drive to Gatwick was very easy despite being Good Friday. All of the traffic was going the other way on the M4! Meteor Meet and Greet met and greeted us efficiently and we were quickly into the terminal. The weather was wet and getting worse and we were glad not to be milling around a car park.

Fast bag drop was reasonably quick although a little cheerless. I was unprepared for the need to show a printout of the e-ticket as I had checked in online the previous day and had our boarding passes. The code alone would not do as it does on "budget" carriers. Still, we dug it out of the suitcases, dropped our car booster seat into oversize (surely "undersize") luggage and headed for security.

Short queue and cheerful security check, played around with my six year old's cuddly Mearkats and politely took the laptop for swabbing. My wife had to remove shoes but this is usual as she is nearly six feet tall and they never seem to believe that is all her!

Brunch at Cafe Rouge with good view of the increasing soaking wet runway kept us amused until time to go to the gate.

The gate was mayhem. As it was the start of the Easter holidays the flight was full and it seemed that the gate, with jury rigged "patdown" area had rather less capacity than the plane. The seats were so close together you were practically knee to knee with the person opposite and walking was almost impossible. Children impressed with KiD bags which were passed to them over heads and once we were sat down (and not selected for pat down) spent a bit of time setting the funky KiD watches to Florida time.

I think there was priority boarding but it was taking so long to get to the door it did not seem to matter too much. I was worried about this notoriously late flight but it was boarded efficiently and the aircraft pushed back a little early.

By this time the weather was getting really bad. The Easyjet 737 ahead of us disappeared in spray half way up the runway. Judging by all of the activity on the wings the crew had to be fairly active in keeping the plane pointing up the runway on take off and the first few thousand feet were pretty bumpy. Several of the cabin seemed to thing we were on the roller coasters already and there was some whooping which did not really help the slightly nervous lady sitting beside me.

Amenity packs were given out. Now I have read a lot about amenity packs on this site. I can honestly say that I did not use a single item from mine and the same is pretty much true of all my party (overexcited six year old was dressed in KiD hat, blanket, socks and eye mask ). I suppose it could be cheaper just to give them out rather than offer but I could have passed.

Children certainly do eat first although the wisdom of cooking chips and beans in the same container is doubtful. They didn't mind though. My meal perfectly acceptable, involved beef and the GU pot.

Good drinks service throughout the flight and ice creams later, although they did run out of lemonade in the first hour. Sandwiches before arrival also good.

We had Nova which is certainly better than nothing although as I had the wrong entertainment guide (March rather than April) I ended up watching a different film (Where the Wild Things Are) to intended. I caught up with Shelock Holmes on the second time around. Quiet dialogue is difficult to hear clearly with the headphones provided so drama is difficult. Comedy channel (Simpsons, Miranda) much easier to listen to.

Arrived a bit ahead of schedule but ended up at the end of the immigration queue (although the cabin crew seemed in a special incredibly slow line) and one of the children vomited whilst I was being fingerprinted.

Luggage was there though when we came through. Picked up car (Avis Preferred really is fast) and drove off (keep right, keep right, keep right) to USA.

Return to follow...

Hi Gavin and welcome to V-Flyer

Thank you for such an informative TR

The site is often used by those planning their trips to see the Mouse and so your TR is especially helpful and it is so kind of you you pass on some tips^)

I do hope you enjoyed your time in Florida (as much as your kids ) and made the most of your break

Thanks once again

buns

Great read, I'm sure you all had a exciting time.. look forward to the return TR..

NH

Thank you for the great informative TR.